Editorial: An idea from science fair could change lives

Published: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 04:37 PM.

Helping diabetics choose the best foods to eat. Driving Gaston’s highways and byways on algae fuel. Solving safe water problems for developing nations.

These and other science fair discoveries of Gaston County students could change the way people around the globe live their lives. The young scientists brought a hypothesis and a conclusion to the countywide science fair last week and it definitely was not your father’s fair. These students from public and private schools are asking questions and researching the answers on topics students didn’t even dream of a generation ago.

They demonstrate their world view, their “green” awareness and, mostly, their inquisitive minds that promise to contribute to the betterment of society no matter what careers await them, science related or not.

It’s always intriguing to see inside a bright young mind. Each year’s science fair offers that glimpse. Students communicate their ideas and their findings with home-made displays that reveal not only how they went about testing their ideas, but also their command of computers. Displays were marked by charts and graphs, posters and photos presented in ways made accessible by today’s technology.

The number of students entering the science fair was down this year. Only half as many participated as last year. Among those bringing projects were students from Gaston Day, the first from that school in many years.

Tammy Mims, science fair director, speculated that the drop off coincided with a teacher workday when students did not attend school.

Whatever the reason, it’s not a good sign. A no-school day might have meant some young scientists could not get to the fair. Different scheduling might have made a difference.

Helping diabetics choose the best foods to eat. Driving Gaston’s highways and byways on algae fuel. Solving safe water problems for developing nations.

These and other science fair discoveries of Gaston County students could change the way people around the globe live their lives. The young scientists brought a hypothesis and a conclusion to the countywide science fair last week and it definitely was not your father’s fair. These students from public and private schools are asking questions and researching the answers on topics students didn’t even dream of a generation ago.

They demonstrate their world view, their “green” awareness and, mostly, their inquisitive minds that promise to contribute to the betterment of society no matter what careers await them, science related or not.

It’s always intriguing to see inside a bright young mind. Each year’s science fair offers that glimpse. Students communicate their ideas and their findings with home-made displays that reveal not only how they went about testing their ideas, but also their command of computers. Displays were marked by charts and graphs, posters and photos presented in ways made accessible by today’s technology.

The number of students entering the science fair was down this year. Only half as many participated as last year. Among those bringing projects were students from Gaston Day, the first from that school in many years.

Tammy Mims, science fair director, speculated that the drop off coincided with a teacher workday when students did not attend school.

Whatever the reason, it’s not a good sign. A no-school day might have meant some young scientists could not get to the fair. Different scheduling might have made a difference.

We’re hopeful the lower number of participants doesn’t reflect a decline in the number of students interested in science.

Science projects offer a unique learning opportunity that can benefit students further along their education path and in their careers. And who knows? An idea that started as a science fair project really could change the world.

It comes as good news that participation in the science fair is now open to elementary students. Belmont Central’s Jordan Abernathy blazed the trail for future young scientists by becoming the first and only elementary student to participate.

Congratulations to Jordan and all those who came up with an idea, did the research and presented their findings at this year’s science fair. You may not know it yet, but your participation will remain a part of your life forever.

To winners who move on to the next level of competition, we send our wishes for your continued success.